Artists doing freelance illustration

[kungfooweetie]

Hi all

I'm relatively new to the forum and have never posted before, but have a niggling question and I would be interested to hear what some of you might have to say.

Do you think an artist would compromise their work's integrity by signing to an illustration agency? As an artist I have always found the idea of commissions unappealing for fear that I would disappoint a buyer.

That said, I would be more than happy to do an album, book or magazine cover and like the idea of a challenge as far as interpreting a brief is concerned.

As collectors, would that put you off an artist and their work?

I've kept a part time job to ensure that the enjoyment is never taken out of my art, but I'm on the hunt for a new job and wondered if it would be a bad idea to do freelance illustration with the luxury of a contractual agreement. I would hate to jeopardise the hard work I've put into my painting career.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

[rhinomilk]

if i liked your art, i wouldn't give a shit

[kungfooweetie]

Thanks, that's good to know.

[cgriffin]

I think more and more often, the line between 'fine artist' and 'illustrator' is greying. As well it should! Why should we be punished for the joy of sharing our hard work and making money off it? Do what you love...don't paint for the collectors, nor the galleries. Paint for YOU. And if that means hiring on to an agent, do it.

[buschrj]

From a guy who also collectors skateboards, I enjoy seeing artist work show up in occational illustrations. I like noticing an artist's work when I'm not expecting to see it. I sometimes give a little more respect to a company who takes a chance with an artist that is up and coming.

[sbgallery]

Personally, I'm a huge fan of illustration whether it's done in a commercial or fine art setting. I think Gary Taxali is a stellar example of someone who has been able to effortlessly straddle both worlds while maintaining the integrity of his work.

Ultimately, is the artist doing good work? The setting should be largely irrelevant, unless the work itself is contextually bound to a particular setting or presentation.